Falcon Shillelagh Question

[markg]

Hi folks

I've just bought a new Falcon Shillelagh to go with my existing Falcons (and misc other pipes). I really liked the twisted stem design and blue tube! However the draw on the pipe is noticeably tighter then my other two standard Falcons (a straight and a bent). When I examined them I could see that the end of the tube as it enters the Humidome is far smaller (see photos). I'm wondering whether this is a "design feature" because the blued tube and twisted stem means that the tube can't be attached as it is normally. Or is it a manufacturing fault and the tube is crimped or semi-blocked with solder and should have been drilled out before the bit was attached (they're not removable on Falcons).Perhaps someone has a Shillelagh out there and can comment?
--
Many thanks
Mark
Cambridge, England

 

[Guppy]

I found the tube doesn't go quite as far into the bowl with them. Your's looks like there is a burr in the end of the tube/ tube is pinched closed a little. Gently filing it open with a round needle file should get rid of it and open up the draw.

 

[marlinspike]

Yep, that looks like a manufacturing issue. I haven't noticed any real difference in draw with a shillelagh vs. an extra stem.

 

[Sonorisis]

I concur. Looks like the casting, itself, is not fully bored out at the point where it connects to the tube. A drill, or a Dremel ought to get you up, and running with little fuss. I have noticed no difference in the draw of my shillelagh Falcons vis-a-vis the others I smoke.

With most pipes, it feels like I am adopting them rather than purchasing them, in the sense that all need a little bit of tweaking -- except those that have been made by the individual whose name is stamped on them.

 

[BROBS]

Manufacturing defect

 

[anotherbob]

Manufacturing defect

which they explicitly guarantee against.

 

[verporchting]

Contact the seller. For the cost I’m betting they will just send you a new one. That’s what should happen anyway.

 

[mawnansmiff]

"before the bit was attached (they're not removable on Falcons)."

Not all Falcon pipes are thus, I have several with removable mouth pieces.

Regards,

Jay.?

 

[marlinspike]

Much as I like Falcon pipes, I wish they'd use a different bit material (if not ebonite, then a better-grade acrylic).

 

[BROBS]

"before the bit was attached (they're not removable on Falcons)."

Not all Falcon pipes are thus, I have several with removable mouth pieces.

Regards,

Jay.?

I don't believe they are supposed to. They are crimped in place by design.

Tamp and Puff • View topic - Falcon Pipe - How do I remove the mouthpiece?

.

 

[marlinspike]

I don't believe they are supposed to. They are crimped in place by design.

Tamp and Puff • View topic - Falcon Pipe - How do I remove the mouthpiece?

.

I've never seen any Falcon stem other than the international model that is removable (of course, the company's been around for donkey's years, and may have had a model that did have a removable piece).

 

[edger]

Much as I like Falcon pipes, I wish they'd use a different bit material (if not ebonite, then a better-grade acrylic).

The newer mouthpieces are a hard nylonthat slips on your teeth. You might try an older estate Falcon. These have a softer broader nylon. One of my oldest ones is from 1972 with an FD overH marking in the bottom of the humidome.